Leaderboard

The stated Government position is to increase the quota share for UK vessels while recognising the “need to do that over time”. The Fisheries White Paper made clear there was “no intention to change the method for allocating existing quota”. Instead, the Government would start a dialogue on how to allocate any additional quota resulting from Brexit. Those members that sold their quotas to EU boats and those that had their boats destroyed, will have to make a decision whether to rejoin the fishing trade and there is ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. A real issue that I see and discuss with friends from Looe, is that it is incredibly hard to get young brits to start a career on the trawlers. The hopeful outcome is that the UK Government will control UK waters and have complete control of the quotas (other than the agreed quotas with neighbouring nations on shared fish stocks under international law). It may well be that the overall quotas are lowered leading to regeneration of stock over time and/or some quota are put out to tender that EU vessls can bid for. Unless you are sat in on the negotiations or have a friend who is, you can only rely on government briefings, speculate or rely on the media who are also speculating. Finally, perhaps the raft of cooking shows and celebrity chefs should have a concerted effort to get the UK to eat more fish and shellfish. Merry Christmas all.

Nicky Sturgeon ? Jimmy Cranky !